AIR FORCE TRADES CONTENTS INTRODUCTION TO THE TAKE YOUR TRADE FURTHER IN THE AIR FORCE...... 4 QUALIFIED TRADES...... 12 AIR FORCE TRADES AIRCRAFT SPRAY PAINTER...... 13 ELECTRICIAN...... 14 It may come as a surprise to you but the Air Force has a lot to offer tradies in a vast variety of jobs. Becoming FITTER & TURNER...... 15 part of one of Australia’s most dynamic organisations will give you the opportunity to work on some of the TRAINEESHIPS...... 16 most advanced aircraft and sophisticated equipment available. You’ll be in an environment where you will be AIRCRAFT ARMAMENT TECHNICIAN...... 17 challenged and have an opportunity to gain new skills, or even further the skills you already have. AERONAUTICAL LIFE SUPPORT FITTER...... 18 AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN...... 19 AVIONICS TECHNICIAN...... 20 CARPENTER...... 21 COMMUNICATION ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN...... 22 MOTOR MECHANIC...... 23 PLUMBER...... 24 NEXT STEPS...... 27 TAKE YOUR TRADE FURTHER IN THE AIR FORCE

It may come as a surprise to you but the Air Force has a lot to offer tradies in a vast variety of jobs. Becoming part of one of Australia’s most dynamic organisations will give you the opportunity to work on some of the most advanced aircraft and sophisticated equipment available. You’ll be in an environment where you will be challenged and have an opportunity to gain new skills, or even further the skills you already have.

Here’s a quick look at the different types of Air Force trades jobs. CONSTRUCTION TRADES LEAVE YOUR MARK ⁄⁄ Carpenter Being a tradie in the Air Force gives you the chance to ⁄⁄ Plumber look back at the end of a day and think “I really made ⁄⁄ Electrician a difference.” It will open your eyes to situations and TECHNICAL TRADES people in ways you’d never expect, as you could have the opportunity to use your highly sought-after skills as ⁄⁄ Motor Mechanic part of a natural disaster relief effort, or constructing (Ground Support Equipment Technician) infrastructure for remote communities. ⁄⁄ Fitter & Turner (Ground Mechanical Engineering Fitter) GAIN SOME STABILITY ⁄⁄ Communication Electronic Technician A downside to job hunting or working for yourself is living AVIATION TRADES with the hassle of wondering ‘when and where will my ⁄⁄ Aeronautical Life Support Fitter next pay cheque be coming from?’ Trade jobs in the Air Force provide that sense of financial security you need for ⁄⁄ Aircraft Armament Technician yourself, your family and most importantly, your future. ⁄⁄ Aircraft Spray Painter ⁄⁄ Aircraft Structural Technician ⁄⁄ Aircraft Technician ⁄⁄ Avionics Technician

4 AIR FORCE TRADES THE TRAINING YOU’LL NEED This is where you’ll learn your trade or post graduate training if you are already trade qualified. We’re looking for people of all ages and levels of work Depending on which trade you’ve chosen and any experience. If you’re qualified, your civilian skills may previous qualifications you hold, Initial Employment transfer directly into the Air Force with minimum on- Training typically takes between 6-18 months to the-job training. If you’re unqualified, there are many complete. On completion of your Initial Employment traineeship positions available where the Air Force Training, you’ll then be posted to a RAAF Base or will provide all the relevant training needed to become Defence Establishment where you’ll continue with on- fully qualified. the-job training for a further 12-24 months. Whether you’re entering as a trainee or fully qualified If you’re keen to develop your skills further, the Air tradie, your first stop will be initial military training at Force will help you undertake additional training Number 1 Recruit Training Unit (1RTU) at RAAF Base relevant to your trade – in most cases training is paid Wagga, . You’ll receive training over for and takes place during working hours. 10 and a half weeks which will give you the foundation on which to build a successful career. You’ll cover All Air Force trade traineeships come with nationally subjects like basic military skills, physical training, accredited TAFE equivalent qualifications. They also drill, first aid, weapons handling and how to be a guarantee you a job on completion of your productive team member. specialist training.

Upon graduation from your recruit training, you’ll undergo your Initial Employment Training.

AIR FORCE TRADES 7 LIVING THE LIFE As with most good jobs, you need to be able to strike the proper work/life balance. The standard working week for a tradie in the Air Force is approximately 40 hours after which you’re free to spend your after-hours and weekends doing as you please. Naturally, as a Defence organisation, there will be occasions where you will be needed to assist in activities that fall outside of the ‘normal’ definition of a working week; however, a service allowance is provided to compensate for this.

There are plenty of clubs and sporting teams you can join in the Air Force, plus you’ll get the opportunity to travel within Australia and possibly overseas on exercises and deployments. You get subsidised rent and low interest rate home loans, free healthcare and 18% superannuation. AIR FORCE RESERVE If you’re looking for a part-time job that’s worthwhile to you and to the community, then why not put your skills to work in the Air Force Reserves? You’ll be a vital part of the organisation and your contribution to the Air Force as a whole will be highly valued. It’s a great way to give some real purpose to your spare time, where you will have an opportunity to travel on exercises and work in a unique environment in complete contrast to your everyday job.

Trade jobs available in the Air Force Reserve include:

⁄⁄ Carpenter (Qualified) ⁄⁄ Electrician (Qualified) ⁄⁄ Plumber (Qualified)

AIR FORCE TRADES 9 WHAT YOU’LL BE PAID

FULL TIME Upon completion of your recruit training, you’ll receive a competitive starting salary package. The package details vary depending on your job and rank however all include free healthcare, subsidised accommodation and a generous 18% super contribution. RESERVE Members of the Reserves are paid at a daily rate of pay, which is tax-free. In addition, you’ll receive a generous Service Allowance, uniforms and may be eligible for free meals and accommodation while on active Reserve duty in specific instances.

Information is correct at time of printing and is subject to change. For the latest information, call 13 19 01 or visit defencejobs.gov.au/airforce

10 AIR FORCE TRADES QUALIFIED TRADES AIRCRAFT SPRAY PAINTER

AIRCRAFT SPRAY PAINTER WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING HOW YOU’LL GET THERE In this role, you will get to work on After recruit training, you’ll be posted ELECTRICIAN some of the most powerful, expensive to our major repaint facility (currently and advanced aircraft in Australia. The at RAAF Base Tindal, in the Northern job tasks include painting metallic and Territory) as an Aircraft Spray Painter. FITTER & TURNER composite surfaces on aircraft such as There you’ll complete up to 35-weeks the huge C-17A Globemaster III, to a multi- on-the-job training before being posted (GROUND MECHANICAL million dollar F/A-18F Super Hornet. to a field unit. ENGINEERING FITTER) You’ll also be involved in stenciling and the application of tapes and decals. Best WHAT YOU NEED of all – there are plenty of opportunities You must have a Certificate III Automotive to travel throughout Australia and around Engineering (Automotive Body Refinishing). the world.

AIR FORCE TRADES 13 FITTER & TURNER ELECTRICIAN (GROUND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING FITTER)

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING Officer – a position for senior airmen and WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING WHAT YOU NEED airwomen who demonstrate expertise in Don’t just do the everyday sparkie job. their field. Think you’re a jack-of-all-trades? That’s ⁄⁄ Certificate Level III in the Engineering- Work with the best equipment on the most what’s required for this position. As Mechanical Trade or equivalent; exciting technology. You’ll find yourself a Fitter & Turner (Ground Mechanical WHAT YOU NEED ⁄⁄ Year 10 pass in English. installing, maintaining and repairing power Engineering Fitter), you’ll be working on and lighting systems, and other electrical ⁄⁄ Certificate III in Electrical or Dated the repair, modification and refurbishment equipment on a scale that’s bigger than equivalent - Trade Certificate in of Ground Support Equipment (GSE), you ever imagined: how about installing Electrical Mechanical, Certificate aircraft arrestor systems and small arms lighting on a temporary airstrip in of Completion of Apprenticeship weapons. the middle of the desert? The adventure Electrician; and starts now. ⁄⁄ It is essential to hold a current HOW YOU’LL GET THERE unrestricted electricians licence; HOW YOU’LL GET THERE After your recruit training, you’ll be or current equivalent, endorsed by posted to a RAAF base to begin your 12 After recruit training you will undertake the Electricity Supply Association months of on-the-job training. From here, specific training at the RAAF Security & of Australia Regulatory Authorities job progression is based on periods of Fire School – RAAF Base Amberley for Licensing Committee; employment and further training such 7-weeks. Then it’s a posting to a field unit at as completing an Advanced Aircraft ⁄⁄ Completed 12 months productive either Tindal, or Richmond. After Machining course, with the ability to employment in the trade after training; developing your skills and progression advance through the ranks to Warrant within the Air Force, other positions at ⁄⁄ It is also essential to have a pass in Officer – a position for senior airmen and various locations will become available. Year 10 English. airwomen who demonstrate expertise in their field. You may also receive the opportunity to complete further specialist training and supervisory courses covering topics such as specialist airfield engineering. There are also opportunities to move into more senior roles such as Works Supervisor and follow a career path up to Warrant

14 AIR FORCE TRADES AIR FORCE TRADES 15 TRAINEESHIPS AIRCRAFT ARMAMENT TECHNICIAN

ARMAMENT TECHNICIAN WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING WHAT YOU NEED As an Armament Technician it’s your job You need to have successfully completed AERONAUTICAL LIFE SUPPORT FITTER to look after the running and repair of Year 10 with passes in English, Maths and aircraft weapons systems and equipment Science (with a Physics component). – and that includes everything from AIRCRAFT STRUCTURAL TECHNICIAN the computers on board the aircraft through to the actual missiles and bombs. There’s scope for career advancement AVIONICS TECHNICIAN as well, with the opportunity to become a Demolition Operator where you’ll learn all about Improvised Explosive Device AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN Disposal and Explosive Ordnance Disposal. CARPENTER HOW YOU’LL GET THERE After recruit training, you will attend the COMMUNICATION ELECTRONIC RAAF School of Technical Training at RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for 26 weeks. TECHNICIAN Then you will be posted to a RAAF Base for employment as an Armament Fitter for on-the-job training. Following a MOTOR MECHANIC(GROUND SUPPORT minimum of 24 months further experience and successful completion of the skills log EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN) you will qualify for a nationally recognised Australian Qualification Framework trade certificate and be regarded to technician PLUMBER status. Career progression opportunities such as supervisory roles and promotions exist for airmen and airwomen who demonstrate expertise in their field.

AIR FORCE TRADES 17 AERONAUTICAL LIFE SUPPORT FITTER AIRCRAFT TECHNICIAN

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING WHAT YOU NEED WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING HOW YOU’LL GET THERE

As an Aeronautical Life Support Fitter You need to have successfully completed As an Aircraft Technician you will have the After recruit training, you will attend the you’ll be responsible for the maintenance Year 10 with passes in English, Maths and chance to work on some of our nation’s RAAF School of Technical Training at of survival equipment so that the aircraft Science. The further skills required for this most advanced aircraft. This could be the RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for approximately and aircrew are kept safe. Your duties will role will be gained through your training gig for you if you’re technically minded 37 weeks of initial trade training. After include removal, installation, inspection with the Air Force. and have an interest in aircraft. graduation you will be posted to a RAAF and repair of aircraft rescue and survival Base for employment as an Aircraft You’ll never get bored as you will always equipment and training aircrew and Fitter, where you will undergo on-the- have a variety of duties undertake passengers in the use of that equipment. job training. Following a minimum of such as: maintenance of aircraft and 24 months experience and successful engine systems; inspection, removal and HOW YOU’LL GET THERE completion of the skills log you will qualify installation of aircraft components, and for a nationally recognised Australian After recruit training, you will attend the disassembly and reassembly of aircraft Qualification Framework trade certificate RAAF School of Technical Training at components. and be regarded to technician status. RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for 26 weeks The Weapon Systems you will be working Career progression opportunities such as where you will undergo your Aeronautical on are: supervisory roles and promotions exist for Life Support course. Following this, you airmen and airwomen who demonstrate will complete on-the-job training at a ⁄⁄ • Fighter (F/A-18A/B Hornet, Hawk 127, expertise in their field. RAAF Base for 12 months. Successful PC-9/A) completion of the skills log will see you ⁄⁄ • Surveillance (AP-3C Orion, WHAT YOU NEED progress to Advanced Aeronautical Life E-7A Wedgetail) Support Fitter status. Career progression You need to have successfully completed opportunities such as supervisory roles ⁄⁄ • Strike (F/A-18F Super Hornet); and Year 10 with passes in English, Maths and promotions exist for airmen and and Science (with a Physics component). airwomen who demonstrate expertise in ⁄⁄ • Transport (C-1305J, C-17A The further skills required will be gained their field. Globemaster III, KC-30 A MRTT, through your training with the Air Force. KA 350 King Air)

18 AIR FORCE TRADES AIR FORCE TRADES 19 AVIONICS TECHNICIAN CARPENTER

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING HOW YOU’LL GET THERE WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING Already qualified? Then following recruit training it’ll be just the 7 weeks at the As an Avionics Technician in the Air After recruit training, you will attend the You’ll be an important member of the RAAF Security & Fire School, then straight Force, you’ll have one of the most critical RAAF School of Technical Training at Airfield Engineering Organisation and to work. roles of keeping avionic systems and RAAF Base Wagga, NSW for approximately bring a high level of trade skill, adaptability equipment working. You’ll be employed in 37 weeks. After graduation you will be and technical creativity to a variety of Opportunities exist for further specialist a variety of roles such as aircraft oxygen posted to a RAAF Base for employment tasks including site planning, excavations, training and supervisory courses, such replenishment and inspection and removal as an Avionics Fitter, where you will timber constructions, steel constructions as Construction Foreman Training. There and installation of aircraft components. undergo on-the-job training to gain and concreting. There’s great job security, are also opportunities to move into more You’ll also be trained in fault diagnosis and further experience Following a minimum you’ll work with the best equipment and senior roles such as Works Supervisor testing of electrical power generation and of 24 months experience and successful there’s always the bonus of furthering and follow a career path up to Warrant distribution systems. completion of the skills log you will qualify your skills. Officer – a position for senior airmen and for a nationally recognised Australian airwomen who demonstrate expertise in Take your electronics career up a notch, Qualification Framework trade certificate HOW YOU’LL GET THERE their field. by working on world-renowned Weapons and be regarded to technician status. Systems such as: After recruit training you’ll undertake Career progression opportunities such as WHAT YOU NEED 14 months carpentry trade training at the ⁄⁄ Fighter (F/A-18A/B Hornet, Hawk 127, supervisory roles and promotions exist for Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Trainee Entry PC-9/A); airmen and airwomen who demonstrate Engineering at Bonegilla in . ⁄⁄ Completed Year 10 education with expertise in their field. ⁄⁄ Surveillance (AP-3C Orion, From there its 12-18 months of on the passes in English, Mathematics, Science and one other subject. E-7A Wedgetail); WHAT YOU NEED job experience based at the School of Military Engineering in Moorebank, ⁄⁄ Strike (F/A-18F Super Hornet); and Qualified Entry You need to have successfully completed New South Wales. ⁄⁄ Certificate III in Carpentry ; or ⁄⁄ Transport (C-130J Hercules, Year 10 with passes in English, Maths Finally you’ll be off to the RAAF Security C-17A Globemaster, KC-30A MRTT, and Science (with a Physics component). ⁄⁄ Approved dated equivalents - Certificate & Fire School – RAAF Base Amberley for 7 KA350 King Air). The further skills required will be gained Carpentry and Joinery, or Certificate of weeks. Then you can be posted to a unit in through your training with the Air Force. Completion of Apprenticeship Carpenter either Williamtown, Townsville, Amberley or and Joiner; and Richmond. After which, other positions at different locations will become open to you. ⁄⁄ • Completed 12 months productive employment in the trade.

20 AIR FORCE TRADES 21 AIR FORCE TRADES COMMUNICATION MOTOR MECHANIC ELECTRONIC TECHNICIAN (GROUND SUPPORT EQUIPMENT TECHNICIAN)

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING technician status. Career progression WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING Transport) and be regarded to technician opportunities such as supervisory roles status. Career progression opportunities You probably couldn’t find a more ideal and promotions exist for airmen and In the Air Force you can flex your such as supervisory roles and promotions place for an electronics expert to be airwomen who demonstrate expertise in mechanical muscles on some of exist for airmen and airwomen who working than in the Air Force, amongst their field. the biggest and best vehicles and demonstrate expertise in their field. highly sophisticated ground-based equipment around. As a mechanic in telecommunications and electronic WHAT YOU NEED the Air Force, also known as a Ground WHAT YOU NEED systems. You’ll learn how to repair, install, Support Equipment Technician, you’ll test and diagnose faults in all kinds of You need to have successfully completed be looking after the ongoing repairs You need to have successfully completed electronic systems, from radar, radios, Year 10 with passes in English, Maths and and modifications to transport vehicles, Year 10 with passes in English, Maths satellites and computer systems. Science. Completion of a Basic Electronics ground support equipment, aircraft and Science. Certificate would be an advantage. arrestor systems, excavators, front end Alternatively, if you have completed loaders, quad bikes and fuel trucks. HOW YOU’LL GET THERE Alternatively, if you hold a Certificate III a motor mechanic apprenticeship/ in Engineering (Electrical/Electronics) traineeship in alignment with the After recruit training, you will attend HOW YOU’LL GET THERE HMAS Cerberus at Crib Point, VIC for 38 with achievements in Air Force recognised Manufacturing Skills Australia (MSA) weeks where you will undergo your initial competencies you may be able to enlist as After recruit training, you will attend the Automotive Industry Retail, Service trade training. After graduation, you will a qualified entrant. Army Logistics Training Centre (ALTC) and Repair Certificate Level III in be posted to a RAAF Base for employment at Bonegilla, VIC for approximately 18 Automotive (Mechanical Heavy Vehicle as a Communication Electronic Fitter, months to undergo your Heavy Vehicle Road Transport); or Certificate Level III where you will undergo on-the-job training Mechanic Course. On-the-job training is training in Automotive (Mechanical Light required for completion of a skills log. completed with at least 12 months as a Vehicle), you may be able to enlist as a After successful completion you will be Ground Support Equipment Fitter, where qualified entrant. issued a nationally recognised Australian you must complete a Competency Log Qualification Framework (AQF) Level III Book. Upon completion of the training Certificate in Engineering – Electrical/ and the Log Book, you will be awarded Electronics Trade, and be regarded to your nationally recognised Australian Qualification Framework (AQF) Level III Certificate in Automotive Mechanical Technology (Heavy Vehicle Road

22 AIR FORCE TRADES 23 AIR FORCE TRADES PLUMBER

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING Opportunities also exist to complete further specialist training and supervisory You’re a long way from the day-to-day courses such as Construction Foreman grind of a regular plumbing job when you Training. There are also opportunities to take up a position in the Air Force. Imagine move into more senior roles such as being part of a team responsible for Works Supervisor and follow a career setting up running water to a temporary path up to Warrant Officer – a position airbase during a natural disaster. for senior airmen and airwomen who demonstrate expertise in their field. HOW YOU’LL GET THERE

After recruit training you’ll undertake WHAT YOU NEED 16 months of trade training at the Army Trainee Entry School of Electrical and Mechanical ⁄⁄ Completed Year 10 education with Engineering at Bonegilla in Victoria. passes in English, Mathematics, Science From there its 12-18 months of on the job and one other subject. experience based at the School of Military Engineering in Moorebank, New South Qualified Entry Wales. ⁄⁄ Certificate III in Plumbing.

Finally you’ll be off to the RAAF Security ⁄⁄ Current unrestricted Plumbers licence & Fire School – RAAF Base Amberley for 7 or registered Plumbers licence; or weeks. Then you can be posted to a field unit in either Townsville, Amberley or ⁄⁄ Approved dated equivalents - Richmond. After which, other positions at Certificate in Plumbing and Gas different locations will become open Fitting; Certificate of Completion of to you. Apprenticeship

Already qualified? Then following recruit ⁄⁄ A current Gas Fitter’s licence is an training it’ll be just the 7 weeks at the advantage. However, if you don’t, RAAF Security & Fire School, then straight Service arrangements will be made to to work. meet licensing requirements. 24 AIR FORCE TRADES RAAF Base Scherger

RAAF Base Darwin RAAF Base Tindal

RAAF Base Curtin RAAF Base Townsville NEXT STEPS RAAF Base Learmonth HOW TO GET INVOLVED

RAAF Base Amberley So you’ve chosen the trades career that best suits you, and like the sound of life in the Air RAAF Base Williamtown RAAF Base Richmond Force. Now it’s time to take the next step and RAAF Base Glenbrook RAAF Base Pearce get involved. RAAF Base Wagga RAAF Base Edinburgh Defence Establishment CALL 13 19 01 OR VISIT DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU/AIRFORCE Fairbain

RAAF Williams RAAF Base East Sale

No. 29 Squadron BASE LOCATIONS Australian Capital Territory RAAF Base Darwin Russell Offices RAAF Base Tindal Defence Establishment Fairbain Victoria RAAF Base Townsville RAAF Base East Sale RAAF Base Amberley RAAF Williams RAAF Scherger New South Wales RAAF Base Edinburgh RAAF Base Williamtown RAAF Base Glenbrook RAAF Base Pearce RAAF Base Richmond RAAF Base Curtin RAAF Base Wagga RAAF Base Learmonth Tasmania No. 29 Squadron FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 13 19 01 OR VISIT DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU/AIRFORCE

AFM0024M-03 Information correct as of May 2014